UFC 303 has reportedly lost a major fight as Khalil Rountree Jr publicly admits to accidentally consuming a banned substance online.
Fan favorite UFC fighter and #8 ranked light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr has revealed that he inadvertently consumed a banned substance in training for his upcoming fight at UFC 303 against former champion Jamahal ‘Sweet Dreams’ Hill.
Khalil Rountree Jr admits to taking banned substance ahead of UFC 303
Taking to Instagram last night, Khalil Rountree Jr himself announced that he had accidentally consumed a banned substance during his training for Jamahal Hill at UFC 303 – unfortunately, he also confirmed that the fight with ‘Sweet Dreams’ is now off.
“I’m gutted to deliver this news to you all, but I will not be fighting at UFC 303 due to consuming a banned substance. I did not do this intentionally and I am doing everything I can to get this situation taken care of.”
Rountree Jr explained that he was using a “personalized tailored supplement service” from trusted suppliers “who understood my intentions in what I can and cannot take.”
However, this unnamed company inadvertently sent him a tainted supplement, or rather his supplement order blended together with a banned substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as Roundtree Jr described:
“They accidentally sent a blended supplement to me that contained banned substance called DHEA (which is prohibited at all times under the UFC anti doping policy). Only after I consumed it was its ingredients brought to my attention.”
After learning about the blended supplement, Rountree Jr said that the first thing he did was contact the appropriate authorities to report the consumption, reiterating that this was an accidental consumption and not a malicious act:
“I immediately contacted Senior Vice President of Anti-doping compliance, Jeff Novitsky and UFC Vice President of Anti-doping compliance, Donna Marcolini to inform them of this matter.”
“I’ve provided them with all the information to show that this was not a matter of cheating or to enhance performance. Although DHEA is non-performance-enhancing it is a banned substance therefore I am under temporary suspension.”
As per the World Anti-Doping Agency website, “It is generally accepted in the sporting world that DHEA use enhances physical performance, and DHEA therefore figures on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of prohibited substances in sports, both in and out of competition.”
“DHEA is a weak androgen that needs conversion to more potent testosterone, and the assumption is that athletes expect a significant increase in circulating testosterone through exogenous DHEA administration, with a subsequent improvement in performance.”
Rountree Jr ended his message with an apology to both his fanbase and UFC 303 opponent Hill: “My sincerest apologies to you all and to Jamahal for this unfortunate series of events. This is a huge loss and an even bigger lesson.”
Rountree Jr is currently the #8 ranked light heavyweight in the UFC and is riding a five-fight winning streak, including a third-round stoppage of Anthony Smith in his last bout.
UFC fans react to Roundtree’s message in support of ‘The War Horse’
Whilst blemishes on anti-doping records are certainly nothing to overlook, Rountree Jr was open and forthcoming with both fans and the appropriate authorities regarding the accidental consumption.
Given the honesty from Rountree Jr on what is undoubtedly an extremely stressful and complicated situation for ‘The War Horse’, MMA fans from around the world have reacted in support of the ever-dangerous contender.
“I’m happy you went and reported it to them, that takes courage. I’ll be rooting for your return!”
“You did everything right,” said one fan, with another adding: “The proactive approach is everything.”
“You’re handling this with dignity and grace. To explain and be completely honest shows what a class act you truly are.”
“Good on you for explaining the situation to the UFC. A lot of other athletes would have tried to hide it then indignantly fight it once they were caught. People’s champ!”
“Class act. Tons of respect for this”
MMA fans will have to wait and see if the UFC decides to re-book Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree Jr later down the line.